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OPINION: Pinnick Ridiculed Himself With The Tammy Abraham Saga

“I can tell you authoritatively that he has agreed to play for Nigeria and not England”. Those were the now infamous words of NFF preside...

“I can tell you authoritatively that he has agreed to play for Nigeria and not England”. Those were the now infamous words of NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, on the international future of Swansea youngster, Tammy Abraham. To say that he, and the NFF have eggs comically splattered on their faces right now would be, well, just right.The London born striker, full name Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi
Bakumo-Abraham on his second loan spell from Chelsea clearly seems in demand; with 23 league goals in the championship for Bristol City last season (his first full season as a professional player), along with his obscene number of goals at youth level, it is not that hard to see why.Abraham has represented England at under-18, U-19 and U-21 levels, but is eligible to play for Nigeria by birth. His father is Nigerian and a close friend to Mr Pinnick)The NFF president can tell you that much; “Tammy is like my son. His father and I grew up in the same neighborhood. So, when they talk about him, I just laugh because I know what to do”.

Amaju Pinnick with Tammy Abraham, his younger brother and agent

However, in light of recent developments, you can be sure the NFF boss aren’t doing a lot of laughing now. On the contrary, their handling of the whole situation has been rather laughable.The farce that has ensued has of course grabbed the headlines, and rightly so.This looks to have been a comical own goal by the NFF boss and the football federation.Despite seemingly confirming that the teenage sensation had chosen to change allegiance to the Super Eagles, and even going as far as claiming Abraham and his parents had started the necessary paperwork to effect the switch, the youngster put a spanner in the works with a statement that clearly shows there was no concrete agreement, and thus, no need for any ‘news’ to go public in the first place.

Contrary to reports in the media today I would like to clarify that I have not agreed to switch my National team allegiance.” Funny, considering “the media” here is none other than the NFF boss himself, who he did admit to meeting, but claimed he only met “given he is a friend of his father

This makes me wonder, does he really want to play for Nigeria? He’s quite clearly undecided on the switch at the moment, and further said in his statement that he “remains available for selection by the English FA”, which for me, poses even more questions about what for me, remains a controversial topic.

Abraham has represented England at under-18, U-19 and U-21 levels

The world is increasingly globalising; there’s more and more migration, foreign travel and employment abroad. As borders continue to break down, more sportsmen would obviously qualify to represent different nations.

This has obviously birthed several instances of controversial switches of allegiance, most famous of which was Diego Costa choosing to represent Spain despite being born and raised in Brazil, and even appearing in two friendly games for the selecao.

However, would it be right for associations to operate as professional clubs do, openly or secretly wooing and recruiting young footballers, like the English FA tried and failed to do with Adnan Januzaj. Doesn’t that call into question, the integrity of international football?For me, the decision on what nation to represent in the case of multiple qualifications, should be purely made by the player. This is international football, it is beyond professional allegiance, this is for national pride and glory, and every player should choose to represent any nation he deems fit so long as he qualifies under the set FIFA rules. The sales pitching and wooing brouhaha really should not be necessary.Call me old fashioned, but like it or not, Tammy is more English than he is Nigerian. It is where he was born it is the culture he has imbibed growing up. All of his football education has come in England and he’s gone on to represent them at youth levels, so, it would be understandable if he would prefer to represent England.I can’t help but feel he’s being pressured at best, and guilted at worst into representing the Super Eagles. It really is not necessary.Pinnick was in full wooing mode in claiming Abraham “understands he stands a better chance playing for the Super Eagles. He stated this;

With his talent he has the ability to fight for a place in the Nigeria squad, by God's grace we make it to Russia, then he would contest for a chance to represent his fatherland.

Oh really??! Apart from the fact that his point is quite arguable, considering his considerable potential, surely, if he’s to wear the Green shirt of our country, it must be because he wants it, and because he feels pride in wearing the shirt. Not because he has to, or for a better chance of getting games or appearing in major tournaments.

The NFF have ‘succeeded’ in wooing the likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and others in recent times, and while this could be good, it really shouldn’t have to come down to protracted talks where we make them decide.I mean, don’t get me wrong, it can only be good to get the best players who qualify to play for the Super Eagles, but in my opinion, they shouldn’t have to be convinced, it has to be a natural decision.Tammy Abraham could still turn out for Nigeria in the future, heck, it is the more likely outcome to be honest. But I maintain, to protect the integrity, and in a sense, the morality and prestige of turning out for the national team, it has to be a natural decision from the heart and you sure as hell don’t need a sales pitch.